SEAT Leon Cupra SC

IT costs about the same price as a Golf GTI, but with 59bhp more, the Leon Cupra 280 shouldn't be ignored by anybody in the market for a hot hatchback. It uses pretty much the same mechanicals as the VW, plus there's a load of standard equipment and some really eye-catching styling, including
LED headlights and alloy wheels. But it's the way the SEAT performs that truly impresses.

It comes with an electronically controlled limited-slip diff which all but eliminates understeer through corners, and that means the car delivers the grip and cornering poise that's not far short of the all-wheel-drive Golf R.

And if you switch the electronics to the Cupra driving mode, the Leon is lively and entertaining, too.

Go for the seven-speed DSG gearbox, and you have seamless control of the car's power via the steering wheel-mounted paddles, while this  version also features an effective launch control system.

However, all thi s driving talent doesn't come at the expense of comfort, as the adaptive damper-equipped Leon is far easier to live with on a daily basis than some of its rivals. Add in some sporty Cupra touches, including special seats and subtle chequered flag logos dotted around the cabin, and it's clear why the Leon Cupra is our current hot hatch favourite.

Price: £27,210 
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 276bhp
Torque: 3SONm
0-62mph: S.7 seconds
Top speed: lSSmph